Could the M32 really sink underground? Bristol City Council is not ruling out the idea

It appears Bristol City Council is not ruling out the idea of sinking the M32 underground

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It was the controversial statement which proved the biggest talking point at the Bristol Post’s Metro Mayor husting – but it appears Bristol City Council is not ruling out the idea of sinking the M32 underground.

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Metro Mayor 2017

However, her proposal might not be as far-fetched as it may first appear.

When approached by the Bristol Post, the council made no effort to deny the Labour candidate’s claims.

A Bristol City Council spokesperson said: “There are a lot of ideas being discussed and suggested to improve transport in the Bristol area.

“Part of the work to be done by the new Congestion Task Group, due to be launched soon, will be to further explore all options and consider what’s possible.

“No decisions or firm plans have been made at this very early stage.”

A familiar sight on the M32..

So could a sunken M32 be a reality in one, or maybe two decades?

The process of changing the landscape of the M32 would undoubtedly be a long and complex one.

To start, the motorway is owned by multiple agencies with South Gloucestershire Council, Bristol City Council and Highways England each having a stake in the road.

Changes to the motorway layout would require a large budget and detailed engineering.

South Gloucestershire, Bristol and North Somerset councils have recently spent a large amount on MetroBus works for the motorway so it seems unlikely that they would be willing to interfere with the existing infrastructure of the carriageways.